Joe Wachter

Top Performer

Lake Zurich, IL

$200 and up

Travels up to 0.9 hours

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Wedding music medley

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Solo Jazz Guitar

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Ukulele Madonna cover

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Pop acoustic guitar

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Jazz duo - with sax

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At a recent performance

Overview

Joe Wachter plays a classy mix of jazz and pop songs arranged for solo guitar. You'll enjoy tasteful versions of songs everybody knows, from classic Great American Songbook standards to modern pop hits. Acoustic, electric, or both, Joe's music is the perfect accompaniment to an elegant cocktail party, wedding, benefit, or other upscale event.


Reviews

6 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Athena

Athena

May 13, 2026
Verified review

Nice touch

Enjoyed Joe’s music during cocktail hour at our wedding!

Hired as: Classical Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Claire K.

Claire K.

September 17, 2025
Verified review

Amazing!

Was perfect for our event. Thank you, Joe!

Hired as: Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Joe Wachter

Joe Wachter

Thanks so much! It was great to be a part of your event!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kate S.

Kate S.

March 10, 2025

My favorite!

I always reach out to Joe first for my company's events. Everyone loves the variety of music he plays, and I love that he's always on time and good with communication. Definitely worth hiring!

Hired as: Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Joe Wachter

Joe Wachter

Thanks so much!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Edward K.

Edward K.

September 24, 2024
Verified review

Joe did a fine job

Joe is a very fine guitarists. Many guests commented on how comforting his music was. Also, he is a fine gentleman.

Hired as: Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Joe Wachter

Joe Wachter

Thank you so much! It was my great pleasure to be a part of your event!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Matt P.

Matt P.

September 5, 2024

Exceptional Player

Having had the opportunity to play with Joe as well as be an audience member for the last 30 years, I can tell you that Joe is absolutely one of a kind. His Acoustic style is all his own and his voice is exceptional. Listening to Joe play is an absolute treat and I think he is actually one of the best guitar players I have ever hear, having him at your event will make it beyond memorable.

Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist, Jazz Singer, Singing Guitarist

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Booking information

Price range: $200 and up

What to expect

Joe can play a wide variety of music, from classical masterpieces to jazz standards to modern pop, rock, R&B, and hip hop. Always happy to accommodate requests when possible, Joe is happy to customize his set to your guests' preferences. He can also create custom arrangements of favorite songs for special occasions. You can see the full range of Joe's expertise by searching "Joe Wachter guitar" on YouTube.

About

Joe started playing guitar at age 12 in Holland, MI. He developed a lifelong love of music and never stopped studying, practicing, and performing music. Well-versed in diverse musical styles, Joe has studied privately with accomplished jazz musicians Rodney Whitaker, Jeff Hedberg, and David Baise, and plays with the Harper College Jazz Ensemble, performing regularly throughout the northwest Chicago suburbs. Joe enjoys playing as a "cocktail guitarist" (to borrow Jake Reichbart's term), adding interest and ambiance to any occasion by playing a mix of well-known jazz, pop, and latin songs. He also loves to take the stage and wow an audience with high-energy, technically complex guitar and ukulele arrangments. Always an enthusiastic collaborator, Joe enjoys working with vocalists and instrumentalists as an accompanist or band member.

Additional booking notes

I can provide my own sound reinforcement (PA system) for most venues. As a solo guitarist, I can fit in very small spaces either sitting or standing and my equipment takes up very little room. I can also stand on a stage if the expectation is for more of a concert experience. I need one 120V electrical outlet for my equipment.

Setup requirements

120V AC power

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